By The Associated Press’s Giada Zampano
Rome Significant heat waves in Southern Europe have caused temperatures to rise above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in nations including Italy, Spain, and Greece, prompting local officials to issue new fire safety alerts.
Experts warn that extreme weather events like these are becoming more frequent over the southern part of Europe and attribute the increased frequency and severity of these heatwaves to climate change.
Before the weekend, severe heat waves were reported in Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Italy, prompting both residents and visitors to seek refuge from the oppressive heat.
With temperatures predicted to reach 42 C (107 F) in Lisbon on Sunday, two-thirds of Portugal was placed on high alert for severe heat and flames.
In reaction to the record-high temperatures, some Italian regions—including Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria—planned to outlaw certain outdoor work activities during the hottest parts of the day. The government was pressured by Italian trade unions to implement similar policies nationwide.
The Italian Health Ministry issued its highest heat alert on Sunday for 21 of the 27 cities it monitors, including popular vacation spots like Rome, Milan, and Naples.
Tourists in Rome used umbrellas and public water fountains to remain cool as they sought shelter near well-known locations like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.
In order to provide some respite from the heat, street vendors in Milan and Naples served lemonade to both locals and visitors.
On Friday, June 27, 2025, after a hot day in Lisbon, people watch the sun set from the Our Lady of the Hill viewpoint that overlooks the city. (Photo courtesy of Armando Franca)AP
Extreme weather put Greece on high wildfire alert once more, with the first summer heat wave predicted to last until the weekend.
Road restrictions and evacuations were necessary near the historic Temple of Poseidon on Thursday due to a massive wildfire that started south of Athens. Homes were damaged and smoke was blown across the sky as a result of strong winds spreading the flames.
While police evacuated 40 individuals and five areas were placed under evacuation orders, Greek authorities used 130 firefighters, 12 planes, and 12 helicopters to combat the fire.
As temperatures in Spain soared to 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in the southern city of Seville and other places in the country’s center and southern regions, both residents and visitors were frantically attempting to stay cool this weekend.
Temperatures in southern Spain exceeded seasonal averages, forcing authorities to issue safety advisories and health alerts. According to Aemet, the nation’s official meteorological office, June is expected to set yet another record and become the warmest month on record.
Experts cautioned that extreme heat can interfere with day-to-day activities, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Local authorities suggested drinking lots of water and avoiding physical activity during the warmest parts of the day.
As authorities evacuate five places under Greece’s first summer heatwave, which is bringing temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), a firefighting aircraft squirts water on a hill in Thymari, south of Athens, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Photo by Thanassis Stavrakis for AP)
A study in the Lancet Public Health last year emphasized how climate change is raising the risk of heat-related mortality. According to the analysis, existing climate policies might cause heat-related mortality to more than double by the middle of the century.
The study emphasized that rising temperatures will cancel out the benefits of milder winters, resulting in a considerable net increase in heat-related mortality, even though more people die from cold than from heat.
Weather reports
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Severe thunderstorms threaten central Pa. with potential damaging winds
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Severe thunderstorm risk looms for central Pa. on Monday and Tuesday
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Stormy pattern returns: Strong thunderstorms likely Monday in central Pa.
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Central Pa. forecast: Rainy Saturday to be followed by sunny Sunday
